Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 April 2026
39. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth to provide an update on the SNA redeployment scheme, workforce development plan and review of the 2014 circular; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29044/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI acknowledge the vital contribution that the more than 23,000 Special Needs Assistants make to the educational experience and overall wellbeing of students in our schools
My department, through the dedicated Special Needs Assistant Workforce Development Unit, is finalising the first Special Needs Assistant Workforce Development Plan. This plan provides a comprehensive framework for understanding and supporting the SNA role and will introduce a series of policy developments to strengthen clarity, direction and consistency within the workforce.
The plan is structured around five key pillars:
Pillar 1 - Review and development of the SNA role
Pillar 2 - Establishment of a quality framework
Pillar 3 - Establishment of an SNA learning and development programme
Pillar 4 - Supporting SNA recruitment, retention, and diversity
Pillar 5 - Development of a communications strategy
Work to date on the plan has involved significant research and collaboration including consultation with SNAs and other stakeholders including school management bodies, Fórsa the trade union representing SNAs, school staff, parents and children and young people over the last two years. This collaboration includes 55 meetings of these working groups which examined every facet of the SNA role with a view to enhancing support to children with special educational needs. I also met with these stakeholder groups and 27 SNAs in a day long engagement to discuss this important work.
Key outputs from the SNA Workforce Development Plan include a new circular on the role of the SNA, a SNA Redeployment scheme and a review of the SNA employment contract. I am pleased to confirm that the drafting of the plan, circular on the role and the SNA Redeployment Scheme are now at an advanced stage, and it is intended that all will be published shortly.
Further updates will be published on the SNA Information Hub on www.gov.ie in due course.
